Electronic engine control apparatus having improved configuration for ensuring excellent engine startability

Abstract

An electronic engine control apparatus includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, a third storage unit, and a processor. The processor performs, when the control apparatus is activated, an initialization control process which includes processes of; extracting from the first storage unit specific information on engine control software stored in the first storage unit; determining whether the specific information extracted is coincident with specific information stored in the third storage unit; initializing retention data stored in the second storage unit when the specific information extracted from the first storage unit is determined as being incoincident with that stored in the third storage unit; and updating the specific information stored in the third storage unit with that extracted from the first storage unit after completion of the initializing process. Further, the processor starts performing the process of executing the engine control software before completion of the initialization control process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-6318, filed on Jan. 15, 2007, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to electronic control apparatus which can on-board rewrite software therein. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronic engine control apparatus for controlling an engine of a motor vehicle, which can on-board rewrite engine control software therein and have an improved configuration for ensuring excellent startability of the engine.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]A conventional electronic control apparatus for controlling an engine of a motor vehicle includes a first storage means that is made up of an electrically rewritable and nonvolatile memory, such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (E...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an electronic control apparatus for controlling an engine of a motor vehicle that can on-board rewrite engine control software, initialize retention data only when necessary, and ensure excellent startability of the engine. The electronic control apparatus includes a first storage means that is electrically rewritable and nonvolatile and in which engine control software is stored, a second storage means that is retainable when power to the electronic control apparatus is removed, and a processor. The processor performs processes of executing the engine control software, storing in the second storage means retention data that is generated through execution of the engine control software, and updating the second storage means with specific information from the first storage means. The electronic control apparatus also includes a diagnosis means for diagnosing the condition of the third storage means.

Problems solved by technology

With the above configuration, however, since the execution of the control program starts only after the processes of check code comparison, learning value initialization, and check code update, there will be a delay in initiating control of the engine, making it difficult to immediately start the engine.

However, for the above reason, engine control operations including fuel injection will be started only after a certain time period from the turning on of the starter switch, resulting in a delay in starting the engine.

This delay will provide an uncomfortable feeling to the driver of the vehicle.

In particular, in the case of the learning value storage means being made up of an EEPROM, the time required to initialize the learning values in the EEPROM will be long, thus making the delay remarkable.

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